Finally feeling rested up after the super intense weekend – thanks so much to everyone who helped out! Here is our HDTS table at #LAABF2017 – if you missed the book fair you can order the latest in the HDTS scout book series from the High Desert Test Sites website – or you can pick up a copy on Saturdays at our HQ at the Sky Village Swap Meet

Done with day one of #hdtsgemandmineral and #hdtspaintedrockauction – so good to see old friends and some of our favorite HDTS affiliates. This is one of my favorite events – I really can't think of a more fun way to raise the funds needed to cover another year or operating and programming expenses. (Speaking of – there were a some good conversations about art practices and sustainability today too). Hope to see more of you tomorrow – the doors open at 11AM and auction bids end at 6PM. (For info on how to bid remotely go to www.highdeserttestsites.com)

We are so excited for our third annual HDTS Gem/Mineral Expo and Painted Rock Auction this weekend at Human Resources! Stop by to check out the vast array of gems, minerals, and crystals for sale along with 54 artist painted (or conceptualized) rocks.⠀⠀Bidding for the Painted Rock Auction will take place on site, beginning at 11am Saturday February 25 and ending at 6pm Sunday February 26. If you are unable to attend the auction in person, you may email us your bid at tatiana@highdeserttestsites.com. You may view images and info on all artist rocks on the HDTS website: ⠀www.highdeserttestsites.com. ⠀All bids will start at $40 and will go up in increments of $20. In your email, please specify the rock you are bidding on, the maximum bid you are willing to make, and the best email and phone number to reach you at. By letting us know your maximum bid, we will bid in increments of $20 on your behalf for the duration of the auction or until /if your maximum bid has been surpassed.⠀⠀In conjunction with the HDTS Rock Auction, LAMOA (Los Angles Museum of Art) will be offering vegan Banh Mi sandwiches, with home marinated pickles, salad, coffee and drinks. Proceeds will benefit future LAMOA exhibitions.⠀⠀LAMOA is a platform for an organically changing Institution that lives through participation. LAMOA is currently located on the campus of Occidental College. LAMOA is free and open to the public. An exhibition titles Book Launch by Andreas Fogarasi is on view until March 10. For more information visit LAMOA's webiste.⠀⠀Human Resources—410 Cottage Home St., Los Angeles, CA 90012⠀February 25-26, 2017, 11 am–5 pm⠀Free Admission

I’m so proud of our the latest in our HDTS Scout book series that will be released this weekend at LAABF. In a time when our country is being divided by differences, these socio-economic and political polarization feel particularly complex here in the High Desert – This is an intimate community and regardless of political affiliation, we all have friends who are “on the other side”. So when I hear people talking about doing battle or going into “war" I wonder if this is really the way to educate and unite a struggling population? What does all of this have to do with our latest Scout Book? Eden Solas moved to the desert where job opportunities are slim and found herself steady work at a check cashing place (Check n Go) – she dealt daily with the reality of an economic system that exploits the most vulnerable in our society. Eden developed a deep sense of compassion for her clients and found dignity in their daily gestures of kindness. Her book embodies one of the most important parts of our HDTS mission statement: “Learning from what we are not” Eden’s time in the desert was one of personal growth in the face of many challenges. For anyone reading this feed who is unfamiliar with High Desert Test Sites; HDTS is an arts non-profit that I helped to found in 2002. We are deeply engaged with both our community as well as with experimental contemporary art – using the lessons that we learn from living here to develop more meaningful roles for art. This weekend we will be hosting our annual gem/mineral fundraiser at Human Resources LA and we will release the third in our Scout Book Series at LAABF. Come visit us at one of these events or in the High Desert to learn more about who and what are.

The unstoppable @thesarahwitt after High Desert Test Kitchen last Monday night. I think we were both getting very excited talking about a new dishwashing protocol. This lady is great – so glad to have her out here in the desert doing her thing.

Just finished printing up our info sheets today and seems like we could all use some of this stone: Smoky Quartz is one of the most efficient grounding and anchoring stones, and also raises vibrations during mediation. It has a strong link with the earth and the base chakras, promoting a concern for the environment and ecological solutions. Smoky quartz is a superb antidote to stress; It assists in tolerating difficult times with equanimity, fortifying resolve. #hdtsgemandmineral #highdeserttestsites

On the countdown today, getting ready for the HDTS Gem and Mineral sale on Saturday and Sunday! These Desert Rose clusters are always some of my favorites… Thanks so much to Human Resources LA for hosting us: 410 Cottage Home Street, Los Angeles CA 90012, near the corner of Broadway and Cottage Home in Chinatown. #highdeserttestsites #hdtsgemandmineral